Introduction to Renewable Energy

"Nelson and Starcher have put together a very complete picture of the development of renewable energy around the globe. The inclusion of chapters on the economics of power systems and institutional issues is commendable as these are often ignored or mentioned only in passing in other texts."
-John Krohn, Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, USA

"... explores most of the basic modes of renewable energy at an introductory level, paying enough attention to institutional issues and environmental impacts. The writers succeed in keeping the reader interested throughout the book."
-Marios Nestoros, Associate Professor, Department of Engineering, University of Nicosia, Cyprus

"The book provides a wide-ranging overview of renewable energy technologies, in a single volume. The coverage of each technology is made much more interesting, and appears more relevant, by the incorporation of numerous examples of such systems in real-world operation."
-Dr. William J. Smith, University College Dublin, Ireland

"Overall, this textbook is good for an undergraduate introductory course in renewable energy. It provides numerous real world examples and updated data in the power industries."
-Chean Chin Ngo, California State University, Fullerton, USA

"This is a well-balanced book - enough detail to understand all sciences of renewable energy but understandable for a survey class that needs some basic mastery of all subjects with enough science and technology mixed in."
-Thomas L Looker, Associate Professor, Edison State College, Piqua, Ohio, USA

"The history included with each chapter provides a good base for students to build current concepts and knowledge upon. Anyone can benefit from this gentle introduction to renewables."
-John van Loon, Mohawk College, Ontario, Canada

"... carefully crafted and supported with examples... I am sure that this book will serve as a good textbook for undergraduate students. In addition, this book will be a valuable resource for all students and engineers who study and work in renewable energy fields."
-Cueneyt Ezgi, Turkish Naval Academy, Istanbul

"This book provides a comprehensive overview on renewable energy industry, technology and research, presents solid knowledge and detailed information."
-Lei Zhang, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, USA

"I like the outline of the text and think that it includes a good balance of introductory information and technical details. Images used enhance the description of the text. The figures include recent data from government reports, which put the information in context... does a great job introducing the student to some of the biofuel technologies... the authors motivate the need for energy by talking about the environmental factors. As a researcher, I am impressed that a thorough analysis of the multiple sources of production of liquid fuel from biomass is included."
-Timothy Thibodeau, Castleton University, Vermont, USA

"... presents a 'solid, comprehensive overview of the renewable energy field."
-Dr. William Kao, University of California Santa Cruz, Silicon Valley Extension, USA

"... the approach adopted by authors in this book to explain basics is easy to follow by students. ...Topics are well selected and defined..."
-Ali Assi, Lebanese International University

"... a basic introduction to renewable energy... for non-engineering and physics students... a balanced book in terms of content and topics covered ... with limited interests for professionals working in the field."
-Radian Belu, University of Alaska Anchorage, USA

"Nelson and Starcher (both, Alternative Energy Institute, West Texas A&M Univ.) cover a wide range of fundamental topics related to renewable energy in this updated edition (1st ed., 2011). The 16-chapter volume begins by discussing basic but important issues such as energy in relation to society, the types and economics of energy, and climate change. Chapter 2 covers fundamental calculations in thermodynamics such as energy, power, heat, efficiency, etc., and the availability/consumption rate of energy sources including coal, natural gas, petroleum, and nuclear. The chapter concludes by stating that "[c]ontinued exponential growth is a physical impossibility in a finite (closed) system, and the Earth is a finite system." Chapters 3 through 8 discuss different aspects of solar energy. The following five chapters focus on other forms of renewable energy including wind, bioenergy, geothermal, and water, as well as energy storage. The last three chapters address nontechnical subjects including institutional and economic aspects of energy as well as predictions for the future. For each topic, Nelson and Starcher present key ideas, up-to-date data, and tangible examples that facilitate understanding of complex concepts. The authors also explain advantages and/or limitations for each technology. Part of the "Energy and the Environment" series."
-CHOICE, July 2016

"Nelson and Starcher have put together a very complete picture of the development of renewable energy around the globe. The inclusion of chapters on the economics of power systems and institutional issues is commendable as these are often ignored or mentioned only in passing in other texts."
-John Krohn, Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, USA

"... explores most of the basic modes of renewable energy at an introductory level, paying enough attention to institutional issues and environmental impacts. The writers succeed in keeping the reader interested throughout the book."
-Marios Nestoros, Associate Professor, Department of Engineering, University of Nicosia, Cyprus

"The book provides a wide-ranging overview of renewable energy technologies, in a single volume. The coverage of each technology is made much more interesting, and appears more relevant, by the incorporation of numerous examples of such systems in real-world operation."
-Dr. William J. Smith, University College Dublin, Ireland

"Overall, this textbook is good for an undergraduate introductory course in renewable energy. It provides numerous real world examples and updated data in the power industries."
-Chean Chin Ngo, California State University, Fullerton, USA

"This is a well-balanced book - enough detail to understand all sciences of renewable energy but understandable for a survey class that needs some basic mastery of all subjects with enough science and technology mixed in."
-Thomas L Looker, Associate Professor, Edison State College, Piqua, Ohio, USA

"The history included with each chapter provides a good base for students to build current concepts and knowledge upon. Anyone can benefit from this gentle introduction to renewables."
-John van Loon, Mohawk College, Ontario, Canada

"... carefully crafted and supported with examples... I am sure that this book will serve as a good textbook for undergraduate students. In addition, this book will be a valuable resource for all students and engineers who study and work in renewable energy fields."
-Cueneyt Ezgi, Turkish Naval Academy, Istanbul

"This book provides a comprehensive overview on renewable energy industry, technology and research, presents solid knowledge and detailed information."
-Lei Zhang, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, USA

"I like the outline of the text and think that it includes a good balance of introductory information and technical details. Images used enhance the description of the text. The figures include recent data from government reports, which put the information in context... does a great job introducing the student to some of the biofuel technologies... the authors motivate the need for energy by talking about the environmental factors. As a researcher, I am impressed that a thorough analysis of the multiple sources of production of liquid fuel from biomass is included."
-Timothy Thibodeau, Castleton University, Vermont, USA

"... presents a 'solid, comprehensive overview of the renewable energy field."
-Dr. William Kao, University of California Santa Cruz, Silicon Valley Extension, USA

"... the approach adopted by authors in this book to explain basics is easy to follow by students. ...Topics are well selected and defined..."
-Ali Assi, Lebanese International University

"... a basic introduction to renewable energy... for non-engineering and physics students... a balanced book in terms of content and topics covered ... with limited interests for professionals working in the field."
-Radian Belu, University of Alaska Anchorage, USA

"Nelson and Starcher (both, Alternative Energy Institute, West Texas A&M Univ.) cover a wide range of fundamental topics related to renewable energy in this updated edition (1st ed., 2011). The 16-chapter volume begins by discussing basic but important issues such as energy in relation to society, the types and economics of energy, and climate change. Chapter 2 covers fundamental calculations in thermodynamics such as energy, power, heat, efficiency, etc., and the availability/consumption rate of energy sources including coal, natural gas, petroleum, and nuclear. The chapter concludes by stating that "[c]ontinued exponential growth is a physical impossibility in a finite (closed) system, and the Earth is a finite system." Chapters 3 through 8 discuss different aspects of solar energy. The following five chapters focus on other forms of renewable energy including wind, bioenergy, geothermal, and water, as well as energy storage. The last three chapters address nontechnical subjects including institutional and economic aspects of energy as well as predictions for the future. For each topic, Nelson and Starcher present key ideas, up-to-date data, and tangible examples that facilitate understanding of complex concepts. The authors also explain advantages and/or limitations for each technology. Part of the "Energy and the Environment" series."
-CHOICE, July 2016